Elementary Education – Liberal & Professional Studies

Preparing to inspire young learners

Elementary Education - Liberal & Professional Studies major

All Simpson teacher education students seeking elementary certification complete a dual major: Professional Studies for Elementary Education Major and Liberal Arts for Elementary Education Major.

At Simpson, our Elementary Education – Liberal & Professional Studies Major combines a strong liberal arts foundation with professional preparation to help you thrive in today’s K-6 classrooms. As part of Simpson’s elementary teacher education program, you’ll complete a dual major in Professional Studies for Elementary Education and Liberal Arts for Elementary Education, giving you broad content knowledge and the professional skills to become a well-rounded, marketable educator. Simpson’s education programs have also been recognized by the Iowa Department of Education for building the next generation of exceptional teachers.

Learning goes beyond the classroom. You’ll work closely with faculty who are invested in your success while gaining hands-on experience through practicum, classroom observations, tutoring, student teaching, and opportunities to practice teaching in classroom settings. Along the way, you’ll develop essential critical-thinking skills and learn the ethical expectations and responsibilities of the teaching profession. With experience across the many content areas represented in the K-6 curriculum, you’ll be prepared to create engaging, inclusive learning experiences for young students.

View major course requirements

Resources for Current Simpson Teacher Education Students

Resources for Field Experience Mentors and Supervisors

Why Simpson College for Teacher Education?

Make Yourself Marketable in the Education Field

All Simpson teacher education students seeking elementary certification complete a dual major: Professional Studies for Elementary Education Major and Liberal Arts for Elementary Education Major. This not only enhances your preparation for the many content areas represented in the K-6 curriculum, but also makes you very marketable.

Career Ready

Our graduates are prepared to launch successful careers and make an immediate impact in the workforce. Here are a few examples of where Simpson alumni are building their careers:

Ankeny Community School District
Carlisle Community School District
Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District
Des Moines Public Schools
Indianola Community School District
Johnston Community School District
Keokuk Community School District
Pleasantville Community School District

Celebrated by the Iowa Department of Education

Simpson College’s educator preparation program was recently featured by the Iowa Department of Education for its work preparing the next generation of exceptional teachers. The feature highlights Simpson’s hands-on approach to educator preparation, including classroom observations, tutoring, practicums, mentoring, and opportunities to apply learning in real-world settings.

At Simpson, we’re committed to preparing educators who are confident, knowledgeable, and ready to make a difference from their very first day in the classroom.

Explore Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

Interested in the unique opportunities the department has to offer? See more opportunities and experiences that will shape your future at Simpson.

Education Club

The purpose of the Education Club is to provide education majors with a chance to learn more about the field that they have chosen for their career. The Education Club has many events throughout the school year. We have speakers come in to talk to the members about various topics dealing with education. The goal of the Education Club is to create a safe and fun environment for education majors, minors, and others interested in becoming a part of it in order to grow, develop, and learn more about education, as well as provide outreach opportunities and workshops to better prepare education students for the real world. The purpose of this organization is consistent with the mission of Simpson College.